grape seed extract

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Care - 17 Apr 2004 20:48 GMT

Six years ago, my grandfather underwent a cornea transplant operation.

In the course of the past year, he began using a commercial grape seed
extract supplement.
After two months usage, he began to experience symptoms of Macular
Degeneration- his vision began to deteriorate and he started experiencing
halo's in his central vision.

Consulted specialists suspected a pressure build-up in the arteries within
the eye, which would in turn have caused a deterioration of the central
portion of the retina.

Only other medication being taken were an ACE inhibitor, and HCT.
He was taking no prescription (nor OTC) anti-coagulents.

Has anyone had any experiences to support whether this could possibly be the
result of the supplement's supposed anti-coagulatory properties?

TYIA

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Harold Boxenbaum - 19 Apr 2004 18:53 GMT

It seems unlikely the grape seed extract caused this. Nonetheless, he
should discontinue it, just as a precaution, since discontinuation has
little risk and great potential benefit. Commerical Lutein (soft gel only)
could be used to possibly help the macular degeneration, although this
subsance is usually used to prevent this condition. You may wish to conduct
a Med-Line Boolean search linking words like "grape" and "macular". I would
also link "macular degeneration" and "treatment" Here is the link:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/PubMed/boolean.html

One you have information in hand, consult with his physican before taking
any additional medication, or instituting treatment.

Best wishes. Harold.

Harold Boxenbaum, Ph.D.
Pharmaceutical Consultant
Arishel Inc.
14621 Settlers Landing Way
North Potomac, MD 20878-4305
(P) 301-424-2806
(F) 301-424-8563
Email: harold@arishel.com
Website: www.arishel.com

> Six years ago, my grandfather underwent a cornea transplant operation.
>
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>
> TYIA

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